For me, the summer is the best time of the year. And my summer consists of: time by the pool, numerous sunburns, travel, and the Vans Warped Tour. The Vans Warped Tour, affectionately called “Warped” by long-time patrons, is a summer music festival that takes place on the grounds of Summerfest in Milwaukee, on July 29th. The tour boasts over fifty bands who play during the day (12 pm-whenever pm), on approximately eight different stages around the grounds. In another pavilion-type room, several tents are set up that sell the band’s merchandise, provide a place for the performers to hang out, sign autographs, and have great conversations.
     As a somewhat “rookie” of this tour (I’ve only gone once; last year), I feel as if I have a lot to learn about the tour. But, what you can’t learn, or see behind the scenes, you can view on the Vans Warped Tour website, www.vanswarpedtour.com. Helpful tips, tricks, and interviews are available in the “pit blog”, operated by a woman named Tiffany. It’s also possible to follow the tour on Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. Through these avenues, you can virtually learn everything that is necessary to survive a day at Warped, because it can be brutal. It can get up to excruciating temperatures, or rain, and when one is in a pit, waiting for a “big” band, it can be insufferable. Also, be ready for a hearty dose of the inappropriate. This is supposed to be a punk tour, guys.
     In order to have the best possible time at Warped tour, one should be able to move around. The worst thing a concert-goer can do is bring a parent or a friend who is super glued to your side. Go with a group of friends that can split up; some can go see a deathcore band, and others can go to a pop-like Nevershoutnever show. Nicole Murray, a junior, is a regular at the tour. “I love the tour because it provides such a broad spectrum of music…it really satisfies everyone’s tastes,” she states. One thing to remember for Warped is always, always keep a "buddy" with you. As in all larger cities (and even the smaller ones) there are serious creeps out there. Also, the grounds aren't located in the most savory area. So, it might be a good idea to include some formidable-looking friends.
     I cannot stress the importance of being prepared at Warped Tour. Know which bands you want to see, and make a list of them. Colin Nohr, who accompanies Murray at the tour every year, stresses the importance of being safe. “Make sure to lock your car, and put your money in a place that can’t be jostled around in a pit,” he says. Once you arrive on the grounds, proceed immediately to the schedule tent-like-thingamabob and buy a schedule. This schedule will prove to be your best friend during the tour. Keep it, guard it, bow to it, stick it on your wall when you get home.
     Bring a backpack, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and sunscreen. If the forecast looks bad, bring a poncho or windbreaker. Wear tennis shoes. Come ready to be bruised. And, above all, have fun. Oh, and don’t die in a pit.